MANHATTAN, Kan. – “When all is said and done, the real citadel of strength of any community is in the hearts and minds and desires of those who dwell there.” – Everett Dirksen, former Senator of Illinois.

That’s the mantra behind many successful communities including several in Kansas that have been named Partners in PRIDE Award winners. With the award comes funding to be used for projects to better their communities.

The award was given by the Kansas PRIDE program, a partnership of K-State Research and Extension, the Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas PRIDE, Inc. and The Kansas Masons.

Through the program, communities identify what they want to preserve, create or improve for the future. Volunteers form a local PRIDE organization that works with K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas Department of Commerce to accomplish its goals.

Kansas Partner in PRIDE Awards recently went to four local PRIDE organizations.

Council Grove was awarded $2,000 for a Riverwalk Park Sign.

Delia was awarded $1,100 for a Landscaping Project.

Humboldt was awarded $1,100 for ADA Accessible Picnic Areas.

Rossville was awarded $2,000 for park beautification.

Kansas Growth and Action Awards of $200 each went to three local PRIDE organizations.

Columbus

Mount Hope

Park City

“Kansas PRIDE is a volunteer-led organization. These awards allow an opportunity to highlight the hard work the volunteers provide for their communities and the state,” said Jaime Menon, extension assistant for community development in the PRIDE program. “Each community has its own unique structure, culture, and assets, and Kansas PRIDE volunteers work to bring out the best in their communities and promote what they have to offer. Through the work of these volunteers, Kansas communities continue to thrive and be a great place to live and raise a family.”

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback will sign a proclamation designating May 21-27 as this year’s Week of PRIDE.

K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.